Our Team
Artistic Director & Senior teacher Mark Laguerre
worked throughout Australia as an actor, singer & dancer in theatre & television. Credits include, Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Guys and Dolls, Seven Little Australians, Rembrandts Theatre Restaurant, Swagman Theatre Restaurant, Dracula’s & Tikki & John’s Crazy House. TV work includes Bert Newton Show, TV Week Legend Dancers, Daryl Somers Show, Don Lane Show and more. Mark was Artistic Director, Dance Director and Choreographer for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular for 15 years. Teaching includes Performance, Theory, Drama & Singing at Dance Factory. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Bachelor of Education
Cloee Legrand
Vicki Lee
worked as a dancer performing on television & in cabaret shows such as Swagman Theatre Restaurant, Banjos Theatre Restaurant, Ernie Sigley Show, ABCs Countdown and D Generation. Vicki has been with Dance Factory since it’s inception. Choreographic credits include cabaret shows for Asia & various conventions. Teaches Jazz, Teaching Studies & Choreography at Dance Factory, and is a DFTA teacher & examiner. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Diploma of Arts (Dance and Performance).
Administrative Director & Senior teacher
Production Manager & Senior Teacher
Cloee Legrand is a graduate of the Dance Factory Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management and Diploma program, bringing extensive industry training, performance experience, and a passion for dance education to the Dance Factory team. Her professional performance credits include working as a backup dancer for various singers and artists, as well as performing at weddings, festivals, corporate events, and live productions. Cloee plays a key role in mentoring and inspiring students while also overseeing the coordination and creative execution of all our performances, including managing rehearsals, coordinating costumes, assisting with staging and production planning, and ensuring every performance is delivered to a high professional standard both on and off the stage.
Paula Williams
Performance Vocal Coach and Senior Teacher Paula has been an integral part of the Dance Factory community since the age of eight, commencing her training as a junior school student before progressing through the full-time program and graduating with a Diploma of Dance. With a career spanning television, theatre, and international performance, Paula has appeared in acclaimed productions including Blue Heelers, Full Frontal, The Wog Boy, Neighbours, and performances at Universal Studios Japan. Her professional theatre credits include Menopause the Musical, Thomas the Tank Engine, Hunchbax, and Witches and Britches, reflecting her extensive experience and versatility as a performer. Paula is also Currently the writer and director and choreographer for witches and britches theatre restaurant. Paula’s longstanding dedication to the performing arts, combined with her industry knowledge and passion for mentoring young performers, makes her a highly respected and valued member of the Dance Factory team.
Laura Spangher
Senior Teacher
Laura is a graduate of the Dance Factory Certificate IV in Dance Teaching, Diploma of Professional Dance, and Diploma of Musical Theatre programs, bringing a strong foundation of technical training and industry experience to her work as a performer and educator. Throughout her professional career, Laura has worked as an industry dancer, performing at a wide range of live events, corporate functions, productions, and entertainment venues. Her versatility, professionalism, and passion for the performing arts have allowed her to develop extensive experience across both commercial and theatrical performance settings. Laura is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring students, sharing her knowledge and industry insight while encouraging confidence, creativity, and excellence in every class.
Roxane Soyard
Senior Teacher
Roxane is from New Caledonia and is a graduate of the Dance Factory Certificate III & IV in Dance Teaching, Diploma of Professional Dance, and Diploma of Musical Theatre programs, combining strong technical training with extensive industry and teaching experience. Alongside performing at live events, corporate functions, showcases, and stage productions, Roxane is passionate about dance education and dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers. She strives to create a supportive and motivating classroom environment where students can build confidence, develop technique, and grow both artistically and personally. Known for her positive energy, professionalism, and commitment to her students, Roxane brings creativity, encouragement, and industry knowledge to every class she teaches.
Manni Carella
Senior Teacher
After training at Dance Factory since 1996, Manni went on to win a 2 year scholarship enabling him to complete his Diploma in performing arts. Since graduation, he has worked as a singer, dancer, actor and choreographer throughout Melbourne from studio to stage to television to film to the high seas. Such credits include: GMA, Starstruck, Rove Live, The Wog Boy Movie, Boy Town Movie, Carols By Candlelight, West Side Story The Musical, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Young Talent Time and various commercials. Manni is also an accomplished singer with Liberation Records and was the support opening act for Christina Aguilera on her Australian Stripped tour in 2003. His first single 2Beautiful spent 26 weeks in the Aria Chart Top 30 & Don’t Say A Word peaked at #7. In 2005, he released an album self titled "Emmanuel". Guested as a mentor on the series Australian Idol in 2003 and the creative team of X~ Factor in 2005. 2026 marks 30 years with Dance Factory.
Jose Manuel
Teacher
Jose is originally from Colombia and is a passionate and dedicated dance educator, Jose brings extensive training, performance experience, and a genuine love of the performing arts to every class. Currently completing a Diploma of Professional Dance at Dance Factory, he has also graduated with a Certificate IV and Certificate III in Dance through the Dance Factory Full Time Performing Arts Program. Jose’s training includes Jazz, Broadway, Partnering, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Commercial Dance, Musical Theatre, and Acrobatics, providing a strong and versatile technical foundation. In addition to dance, he continues to develop his skills in Singing, Drama, and Musical Theatre. With a positive and supportive teaching style and fun easy going classes, Jose is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and foster a lifelong love of dance and performance.
Igor Lima
Teacher
Igor Da Cunha Lima brings a wealth of performance, teaching, and movement experience to his classes, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment for students of all ages. Originally from Brazil, Igor trained extensively in a wide range of dance styles before relocating to Australia to further his studies and pursue a career in the performing arts. A graduate of the Dance Factory Full Time Performing Arts Program, he has completed his Certificate III and Certificate IV in Dance and continues to share his passion through teaching and performance. His professional credits include theatre productions in both Brazil and Australia, as well as entertainment industry work with Movie World's Fright Nights. With additional qualifications in Yoga, Igor combines strong technical knowledge with a supportive and encouraging teaching style, helping students build confidence, technique, and a genuine love of dance creating a fun and laid back class vibe.
Rachel Barnett
Junior School Teacher
Hannah Pollard is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher at Dance Factory Richmond, where she is currently completing her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Hannah loves working with children and is dedicated to creating a fun, encouraging and supportive environment where every student can build confidence, develop their skills and discover their love of dance.
Rachel is from Adelaide and is currently completing her Diploma of Professional Dance through the Dance Factory Full Time Performing Arts Course, having previously completed her Certificate IV in Dance. She has training across Jazz, Broadway, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Commercial and Acro, along with experience in musical theatre and live performance. Rachel has also developed a strong ballet and classical technique foundation, giving her a strong technical understanding that she brings into her teaching. Alongside her dance training, Rachel has a strong background in singing and acting, having trained as an actress and singer and performed in a range of theatre productions. Her experience across dance, singing and acting gives her a well-rounded understanding of performance and allows her to inspire students to develop not only their technique, but also their confidence and stage presence.
Hannah Pollard
Teacher
Junior School Teacher
Ginny Phillip is a passionate and enthusiastic member of the Dance Factory Richmond team and is currently studying her Certificate IV in Dance. Ginny loves working with children and is committed to creating a fun, encouraging and supportive environment where every student can build confidence, develop their skills and discover their love of dance.
Ginny Phillip